Day Trips from Melbourne 2026: Best Getaways

Day Trips from Melbourne 2026 — Overview

Melbourne is the undisputed capital of day trips in Australia — within two hours of the CBD you have the Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley wine region, Phillip Island's penguins, Dandenong Ranges rainforest and Daylesford's mineral spas. Here are the best day trips from Melbourne in 2026.

Great Ocean Road (2-3 hours)

One of the world's great coastal drives. Drive via Torquay, Lorne (excellent beach), Apollo Bay and Kennett River (koalas in the roadside trees) to the Twelve Apostles (limestone stacks in the Southern Ocean). Return via the inland Colac-Princes Highway. Full day — allow 10-12 hours or stay overnight in Apollo Bay or Lorne. visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges (1-1.5 hours east)

Victoria's premier cool-climate wine region with over 80 wineries and cellar doors. Healesville Sanctuary (native wildlife), Puffing Billy steam railway through Sherbrooke Forest, Yering Station winery and the spectacular Warburton-Upper Yarra area. yarravalley.com.au

Mornington Peninsula (1.5 hours south-east)

Peninsula hot springs (Peninsula Hot Springs at Rye), ocean beaches (Sorrento, Portsea, Rye), Port Phillip Bay beaches (Mornington, Mount Martha), wineries and the Arthurs Seat cable car with panoramic views. Queenscliff ferry across the bay from Sorrento links the Peninsula to the Great Ocean Road for a loop day trip.

Phillip Island (1.5 hours south-east)

The Penguin Parade (nightly, little penguins emerging from the sea at dusk), Seal Rocks (largest Australian fur seal colony), the Nobbies Boardwalk and the Churchill Island Heritage Farm. penguins.org.au

Daylesford and Macedon Ranges (1.5 hours north-west)

Australia's spa country. Over 70 mineral springs, boutique accommodation, excellent cafes and the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Gisborne, Hanging Rock and Woodend are Macedon Ranges highlights.

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